James A. Watson Sr.'s Obituary
“I’ve had a good life.”
James A Watson, Sr.
At age 84, Jim frequently said, “I’ve had a good life.” Those of us around him would then hear, again, the many stories he could tell beginning with his growing up in the segregated south, during Jim Crow days, in Columbia, South Carolina, being raised by his Aunt Ora Lee, the escapades of his brother John and their cousins, the farm his grandparents owned, the many jobs he had, CA Johnson high school years, playing football, running track and boxing. He was a proud member of the Class of 53 that has remained actively organized and even as we gather today, are planning their 65th Year Reunion that Jim was looking forward to attending.
He died February, 17, 2018, at Tacoma General Hospital just 24 days after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor.
Jim came to Washington State through the Army and served 3 years, mainly at Fort Lewis. He played football, ran track and boxed for the Army teams. After honorable discharge from the Army he began work at the Boeing Company, became a single father of 5 young children, and then began working as a shipfitter at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He retired from there in 1993 and found a passion and joy in working in the yard at our home.
Jim was actively involved and cared deeply about the community, education, civil rights and justice. He was a member of the Hilltop Jaycees, served as PTA president at McCarver Elementary, a Gold Card Member of the Caballero Club, and coached the Golden Allstar Softball Team, one of the first mainly minority teams, for many years. Jim also served on the committee working with the Neighborhood Development Program city grant that rehabbed houses, helped some families move to better housing and improved lighting and alley paving in a six block area of Hilltop. He encouraged people to exercise the right and responsibility to vote in all elections and was proud to be alive long enough to see America elect an African American President. He was a true Obama fan.
In 1972, he married Carol Kampen, a farm girl from Eastern Montana. I guess opposites really to attract! Together they raised the 5 children and worked together for 46 years. Along with Carol, he is survived by his sons, James, Jr. (Sandra), Jerome and Jerry (Dora), his daughters Rhonda Watson Capps and Roslynn Watson all of Tacoma. He also has a step-daughter, Pamela Walker (Nathan) of Columbia, SC.
He leaves grandchildren Lee and Shaun Moyer, Angelica and Zidea Watson, River Jones (James Jr.), Jackie and Samantha Capps (Rhonda), Samuel, David, and Joshua Means, Brittany Watson (Roslynn), Carrie, Destiny, Tykeara and Nastassja (Jerry).
He is also survived by his sister Kay (BB) Houston of Jacksonville, Florida, in-laws Bobbi Cook of Florida, Myrna Kampen, Mary Anne and Frank Fowells all from Montana, and Jean Kampen of Tacoma. He has numerous nieces and nephews and life-long friends, especially the Forches and Hills.
There are many who became ‘family’ by choice. He was a father figure to many and a friend to many. He was Jim, James, Nank, Dad, Grandpa, Coach, Watson, Watt, Mr. Watson.
He was and would be now, so tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren. Family was incredibly important to him and he encouraged us to always take care of one another, to continue to work for justice and equity to make a better world, and to be responsible citizens. Jim was an encourager, teacher, protector and provider, firm in his beliefs of right and wrong. He carried himself with dignity and respect and expected the same of others. He was a truth-teller, even when the truth was painful. Jim was proud of the work he did and his accomplishments. He was proud of the kids in the neighborhood who ‘made something of themselves’.
“I’ve had a good life.” He expects us to do the same.
He loved us unconditionally and will be profoundly missed. Be at peace.
James will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:30am. A Homegoing Service will take place at Peace Lutheran Church (2106 South Cushman, Tacoma, WA, 98405) on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2pm. If choosing to send flower tributes, please have them delivered directly to the Peace Lutheran Church on March 3rd.
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